Harry Potter

Since the 1997 release of its first book, the Harry Potter series (along with the film adaptations) has gained immense popularity worldwide. Many Christian leaders initially embraced the book as “wholesome, good-versus-evil fantasy in the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis.” But a populist Christian backlash emerged to the books’ witchcraft elements and their increasingly dark tone. As audiences flocked to the final installment, Christian commenters seemed split on whether the series was a Christian allegories or a dangerous gateway.

Harry Potter has magic. Lord of the Rings has magic. Harry Potter has wizards, dark evil, and an unlikely hero who overcomes obstacles with friendship and courage. So does Lord of the Rings. Yet reactions from conservative Christian critics have not been so similar.

Harry’s walk toward the Forbidden Forest gains the reflected emotional power of the walk from Gethsemane to Golgotha. It is the recycling of the greatest myth — a myth that some also regard as true. (Michael Gerson, The Washington Post)